Niles, firefighters union reach tentative agreement, mayor says

Fact-finding continues in police talks.

By Jordan Cohen

NILES — Mayor Ralph Infante said the city and its firefighters union have reached tentative agreement on a new contract and that union members have begun voting.

The mayor did not disclose any details about the wage and benefit package.

In June, the city’s 28 firefighters overwhelmingly rejected a three-year proposal that included a wage freeze and a lower starting salary for new hires. At the time, Rodney Freel, the president of Firefighters Local 320, said his membership was particularly opposed to changes in manning schedules that reduced the number on duty during winter months.

Freel could not be reached for comment about the latest agreement.

Infante also said that negotiations through a fact finder trying to help resolve a contract impasse with the city’s 25 patrolmen will resume today. Infante told city council Wednesday that he hopes those talks can be “wrapped up soon.”

A fact finder from the State Employment Relations Board was sent to assist with the talks after the two sides declared an impasse in late June.

Teamsters Local 348 represents the patrolmen. Police ranking officers and dispatchers are represented by a separate union.

In another item Wednesday, Auditor Charles Nader has asked to meet with council’s finance committee to discuss a note that is due for the Ralph Infante Wellness Center, which opened earlier this year. According to figures provided by Nader, the city owes $3.5 million on the principal and $122,000 in interest.

“I expect we’ll have to pay at least a $50,000 interest payment,” Nader said. He’ll meet with the committee next week.

The $4.1 million Wellness Center, which contains a full-size indoor soccer field, running track and exercise equipment, opened last February.